Ukraine's Diplomatic Response to Detention of Citizens in India

On March 13, 2026, six Ukrainian citizens were detained in India under allegations of unauthorized entry into the northeastern state of Mizoram and illegal border crossing into Myanmar. Indian authorities, particularly the National Investigation Agency (NIA), suspect the group of training ethnic armed organizations in drone warfare and facilitating the transport of drones from Europe to Myanmar. The detainees are currently held pending further investigation, with a court extending their custody until March 27.

Ukraine Demands India Release 6 Citizens Detained Over Myanmar Drone Allegations

Ukraine's embassy in India has expressed "serious concern" regarding the detentions, labeling the case as potentially "orchestrated and politically motivated." The embassy's statement emphasizes that Ukraine is a victim of terrorism and firmly rejects any allegations linking its citizens to terrorist activities. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has demanded immediate consular access to the detainees and has called for a transparent investigation based on verified facts. The embassy has also warned that any attempts to associate Ukraine with terrorism could damage bilateral relations between Ukraine and India.

‘Orchestrated And Politically Motivated’: Ukrainian embassy on detention of six citizens in IndiaKyiv Independent

According to Indian officials, the detained individuals allegedly entered Mizoram without the necessary permits and crossed into Myanmar illegally. Investigators claim they may have provided military-style training to insurgent groups, which poses a threat to India's national security. The case has drawn attention due to the sensitive nature of the region, which has a history of ethnic tensions and conflict.

Ukraine has criticized the Indian authorities for not formally notifying its embassy about the detentions, which it argues contravenes international practice. Ukrainian officials have stated that there are "no established facts" proving the detainees' involvement in illegal activities. The embassy has raised concerns about the lack of proper marking for restricted areas in India, which could lead to unintentional violations of entry regulations.

The Ukrainian embassy has highlighted the importance of maintaining strong ties with India, especially in the context of shared commitments to combat terrorism. Ukraine has sought to deepen its relationship with India through various diplomatic engagements, despite India's ongoing close relations with Russia, including the purchase of discounted Russian oil since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine.

‘Orchestrated And Politically Motivated’: Ukrainian embassy on detention of six citizens in IndiaKyiv Independent

While Ukrainian officials maintain that there is no evidence linking their citizens to unlawful activities, Indian authorities have not publicly detailed the specific evidence leading to the detentions. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations that may reveal further developments.

• "Ukraine is a state that faces the consequences of Russian terror on a daily basis and, for this very reason, takes a principled and uncompromising stance in combating terrorism in all its forms." — Ukrainian Embassy in India

Kyiv Independent

• "As of now, no facts are proving the involvement of the said Ukrainian citizens in unlawful activities on the territory of India or Myanmar." — Ukrainian Foreign Ministry

• "We draw attention to the fact that there are certain restricted access zones for foreign citizens in India, entry to which is possible only with special permits." — Ukrainian Embassy in India

This situation underscores the complexities of international relations, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need for careful diplomatic navigation.

Kyiv Independent